Is it worth being an active foreign student?

Why did you choose Pécs to study?

I decided to study abroad 1 or 2 years ago. I could have done something else in my home country, but I did want to study international relations. I refused to do it in Tunisia because this field of study is still quite new there, the lecturers are not specialized in it.

To be honest, Hungary was not my first choice: I applied for scholarship to other countries, too, but I haven’t passed the selection. Before applying to Pécs, I checked the top universities of Hungary and their International Relations education programmes on the internet. The University of Pécs seemed to be the best choice for me. I have a Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship and my parents support me financially, too.

I think it was a good decision to come here: I really like my teachers they help me a lot and are well-educated.

What are your future plans with this profession?

Later on, I am planning to do a second master’s: I would like to specialize in diplomacy or in international government. I think my diploma will be valuable in other countries and since the content of the courses and the whole programme is really rich, I will hopefully be able to get a job in Tunisia or abroad easily. It is even possible that I will work in Hungary representing Tunisia.

How much is studying in Eastern Europe recognised in your country?

It is really rare that someone from Tunisia goes to study in an Eastern European country. On the one hand Western Europe part is closer to us, and on the other hand, we speak French in our country so it is easier to make friendships in the Western part of Europe where people might speak French, as well. When I told my plans to my family and my friends, they were surprised and some of them didn’t even know where Hungary was. However, they supported and encouraged me to come here.

 I’ve heard that you represented Hungary in an international event. Can you tell me about it?

It was held in Croatia and I represented Pécs in a section and Hungary as a country. I got there through the ESN (Erasmus Student Network - the ed.), where I already have another task: I have to write articles and share them on the blog of ESN (www.esn.org/blog/blog - the ed.). I’ve always liked being active, I take part in as many organisations as possible, because I really like being involved and doing something useful. I also take part in cultural events such as the Flag’s Party in Trafik, which is the opening party of ESN.

My best experience in Pécs was when I organized a Flash mob for peace. I worked together with people from Hungary, Germany, Poland, France, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Azerbaijan and China etc. It was amazing to see how my three-month-long work made sense. (You can find the video about this Flash mob among the YouTube videos of PÉCS ESN - the ed.)

 What do you think about the other foreign students in the city?

I think they are great. The thing I like the most about Pécs is that it is full of foreigners so it’s a very international place. I’ve never thought that I would meet so many different people. In the previous year I learned a lot, I did not only meet people from different countries - even from places I’d never heard about - but also from different ethnic groups. You can learn a lot when you are open towards students from other cultures. There are many stereotypes I had encountered through TV or social media earlier and I had to realize that all of them are the misconceptions of media.

 How do you see the Hungarian people?

To be honest, initially I had the impression that Hungarian people didn’t like foreigners. Before arriving here, I thought that my English was quite good so everything would be fine, but the problem was that nobody wanted to speak with me, even though they could speak English. I was really disappointed and felt that I was not welcome here. I am not talking about the faculty or the university where everyone speaks in English and everyone is helpful. I’m talking about the world outside the walls of the university. When I asked for someone in the shop or in the supermarket, it was really difficult to get information in English. So I decided that Hungarians didn’t like anyone but their fellow countrymen. Then, in the second semester when I started my Hungarian language course, I was pleasantly surprised. Whenever I tried to speak some words in Hungarian, even though I was not correct, they were extremely nice to me. I realized that a bit of local language can help you get closer to local people. Studying Hungarian might be difficult at the beginning, but trust me: it is worth it!

I’ve learned the language from Zsuzsa Szabadkai. She is one of my favourite teachers in Hungary, even though I had only one course per week with her. I was willing to get up at 6 am just to go to her class! Moreover, with her I never felt that learning the local language would be difficult at all.

How easy was the adaptation for you?

It took me a few months, but starting from the second semester, everything was easier: I got used to the place, to the people... At first I was surprised how few people live in Pécs, since I come from a big town, but at least it is quieter here. Living here is like having a second home and I have already adapted to it.If in the future I have the chance to return to Hungary, I will definitely use it.

What was the most surprising difference between Pécs and your home country?

People are very different: in Tunisia we always approach foreign people and start a conversation with them. If we like them, they can come to our house from the first day we meet, they can eat and even sleep at us: we are totally open-minded in this regard. In Hungary, if people don’t know the person directly, they don’t invite him or her to their home.

Where and with whom do you live in Pécs?

I live in Youth Hostel Szántó with other foreign students. I have a roommate from Azerbaijan and two flatmates from China. When I came to Pécs, in the International Office it was offered to me to live by myself in a room, but I chose to live with others and I haven’t regretted it. There were no conflicts among us at all, though with my flatmates we are not that close, as they have their own habits.

Most of the time I went to parties with my roommates and other international students: we went to Trafik or to Pécsi Est Café. Parties there are similar to the ones in Tunisia, only the music is different.

We also went to restaurants: I like the Hungarian cuisine, especially goulash and the delicious Hungarian pasta.

What would you recommend to those who are planning to study here?

First of all, learn some basic Hungarian. I have many Hungarian friends and we help each other. I think I will try to keep in touch with them after returning home and even invite them to Tunisia.

I can also suggest going to the courses of the Dancing University. I took part in them during both semesters I spent in Pécs and I really enjoyed them. In the first semester I took part in a Latin Dance course, and later in a Belly Dance course. There are plenty of international students taking part in this programme, but there are lots of local participants, as well.

And finally: discover Pécs as much as possible! It is a beautiful city: the view from the Mecsek Mountains, the churches, the ruins at Tettye, the TV Tower, the Széchenyi Square… I think everyone should make the most of each day spent here.

UnivPécs International

Photos: Szabolcs Csortos, UnivPécs